Engg student flees Asansol college

ASANSOL: Reuben Thoudam of Imphal, a first year student of Dhadka Polytechnic College here, has lodged an FIR against five third-year students claiming he was brutally ragged by them over the past few days.
“They used to rag me before the pujas. The torture become severe when I returned from Imphal a few days ago after the Puja vacation,� he said.
The senior students directed him to walk naked.When he refused they beat him with stones. He displayed several injuries on his body.
Thoudam is now staying in the Ismile area with friends and fears reprisals if he returns to the hostel.
Students boycotted classes on Friday demanding punishment of the guilty and student unions gheraoed acting principal Apurba Kabiraj in his office for hours. Ragging is not new in the prestigious college. Goutam Sarkar, a third year metallurgy student from Nadia district, has also been elsewhere for three years after torture by his seniors.
Chandan Roy, who had a similar experience, said he travels from Burdwan every day to attend classes despite the problems.
Kabiraj said he had ordered a departmental probe and punitive action would be taken after he receives the report. “I have reported the incident to the director of technical education,� he said.
The students’ union general secretary claimed that ragging was a serious problem at the college. Despite several requests, the college administration has failed to tackle the issue. He has threatened an agitation in the coming days if the guilty are not arrested.
The situation in the college is tense. Several guardians visited the campus and enquired about their children. A police picket was posted on campus. Burdwan superintendent of police Kailash Chandra Meena steps would be taken in accordance with the law.
The college administration is said to be embarrassed as the matter concerns a student from outside the state. It feels the incident may tarnished the entire state’s image.